Translation guide
The English word "dim" covers several distinct meanings: low light, unclear sight or memory, not intelligent, and not favorable. Japanese uses different words for each. This guide breaks them down by meaning.
Describing a light source or room that is not bright, or making it less bright.
Describes a place or light that is dim, shadowy, or faintly lit. Often used for rooms, streets, or natural light.
部屋が薄暗い。
The room is dim.
薄暗い灯りの下で本を読む。
Read a book under a dim light.
General word for "dark," but can also mean "dim" when the light is insufficient. More common than 薄暗い in everyday speech.
この部屋は暗いね。
This room is dim, isn't it?
Literary or poetic word for dimly lit, often with a nuance of faint, gentle darkness.
ほの暗い森の中を歩いた。
Walked through the dim forest.
Refers to dim or faint light itself, often at dawn or dusk.
薄明かりの中で彼の顔が見えた。
I could see his face in the dim light.
To dim the lights (make them darker).
映画が始まる前に明かりを暗くしてください。
Please dim the lights before the movie starts.
To dim a light by reducing its intensity, like turning down a lamp. More specific than 暗くする.
ランプの明かりを絞った。
I dimmed the lamp.
Describing something that is hard to see, remember, or hear clearly; vague or faint.
Vague, indistinct, hazy. Used for memories, shapes, sounds, or mental states.
彼の顔はぼんやりとしか覚えていない。
I only have a dim memory of his face.
遠くにぼんやりした灯りが見える。
I can see a dim light in the distance.
Faint, slight, dim (for sounds, smells, light, hope). Often used for barely perceptible things.
かすかな音が聞こえた。
I heard a dim sound.
かすかな希望を持っている。
I have a dim hope.
Hazy, vague, dim, especially for memories or outlines. Slightly literary.
おぼろげな記憶をたどる。
Trace a dim memory.
Unclear, indistinct, obscure. Formal and often used for sounds, speech, or writing.
彼の説明は不明瞭だった。
His explanation was dim (unclear).
Describing a person who is not very smart, slow to understand.
Dull, slow, dim-witted. Can refer to mental slowness or physical dullness (e.g., a dull knife).
彼は頭が鈍い。
He is dim-witted.
鈍い生徒にもわかるように説明した。
Explained so that even a dim student could understand.
Literally "bad head," meaning unintelligent or dim. Very common and direct.
あの子は頭が悪いわけではない、ただ怠けているだけだ。
That kid isn't dim; he's just lazy.
Stupid, dull, dim-witted. Stronger and more insulting than 鈍い. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
愚鈍な男だ。
He's a dim man.
Slow, dim-witted, sluggish. Colloquial and slightly derogatory.
Describing a situation, outlook, or chance that is not good or promising.
Dark, gloomy, dim. Used metaphorically for prospects, future, mood.
将来が暗い。
The future looks dim.
景気の見通しは暗い。
The economic outlook is dim.
Pessimistic, gloomy. Describes a dim view of something.
彼は将来について悲観的な見方をしている。
He takes a dim view of the future.
Have a slim/dim chance; unlikely to succeed.
成功の見込みは薄い。
The chances of success are dim.
Unfavorable, not good (often used for results, news). Formal.
試験の結果は芳しくなかった。
The exam results were dim.
Do not use a single Japanese word for all meanings of "dim." For example, 暗い can mean dim light or gloomy prospects, but not dim-witted. Always match the Japanese word to the specific meaning.
薄暗い specifically means dimly lit, while 暗い can mean dark or gloomy. Use 薄暗い when you want to emphasize faint light rather than complete darkness.
He's so dim, it's useless to explain.